November 30th
Today’s Reading: Romans 1–4
Scripture Focus
“Through Christ, God has given us the privilege and authority…to tell Gentiles everywhere what God has done for them, so that they will believe and obey him, bringing glory to His name.”
Romans 1:5 (NLT)
“I am writing to all of you in Rome who are loved by God and are called to be His own holy people.”
Romans 1:7 (NLT)
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Reflection
Four chapters today—and Romans is rich. It’s one of those books you could spend months in, slowly savoring every verse… and yet, in our reading plan, we move through it in just a few days.
But even when we read Romans “quickly,” there are treasures the Holy Spirit still makes shine.
Every year when I read this book, something new rises. This time, it’s this:
God has made Himself clear.
He has made salvation available.
And He has made a people for Himself.
Paul’s passion pours off the page—his longing to strengthen believers, to see spiritual fruit, to encourage and to be encouraged. And that desire mirrors my own heart for you.
“For I long to visit you so I can bring you some spiritual gift that will help you grow strong in the Lord… When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours.”
Romans 1:11–12
My sisters, this is the beauty of the Body of Christ.
We grow together.
We strengthen each other.
We bear fruit together.
Romans reminds us that:
1. God shows no favoritism.
His salvation is offered to Jew and Gentile alike.
His grace is wide. His mercy is deep. His justice is perfect.
(See Romans 2:10–11)
2. God is after the heart, not outward religion.
Paul says true circumcision is “a change of heart produced by the Spirit.”
God wants hearts that belong fully to Him—hearts that seek His praise, not people’s.
(See Romans 2:29)
3. We are made right with God by faith alone.
Not performance.
Not perfection.
Not trying harder.
Faith in Jesus—His blood, His sacrifice, His righteousness—makes us right before God.
(Romans 3:22, 25)
4. Abraham’s story is our story.
He believed—when nothing looked possible.
He trusted God to bring life from what was dead.
His faith strengthened as he waited, and that faith brought glory to God.
(Romans 4:3, 17, 20)
Romans 4 reminded me of this simple, beautiful truth:
Faith pleases God.
Faith honors God.
Faith brings joy.
“Oh, what joy…” Paul writes, for the one whose sins are forgiven, whose record is wiped clean.
That joy is ours today.
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Lesson for Me
God is not asking me to perform for Him—He’s asking me to believe Him.
Romans 1–4 reminds me that a changed heart, strengthened faith, and spiritual fruit all come from the Holy Spirit’s work in me. My part is to trust, to obey, and to keep saying “yes” to Him. Like Abraham, I want to grow stronger in faith each year, bringing glory to God through quiet, steady trust. And like Paul, I want to encourage others and be encouraged by their faith as we walk this journey together.
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Application Questions
1.Where is God inviting me to trust Him more deeply—like Abraham—when the situation looks impossible?
2.Do I seek praise from God or from people? What does my heart reveal?
3.Where do I see spiritual fruit growing in my life this year?
4.Is there any part of my walk where I’m relying on effort instead of faith in Christ’s finished work?
5.How can I encourage another sister in the Lord this week, the way Paul longed to strengthen the church?
6.What “joy” has God restored to me because my sins are forgiven and my record is clean?
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🙏 Prayer
Lord, thank You that I am made right with You by faith, not by my own effort. Teach me to trust You like Abraham—to believe Your promises even when I can’t see how You will fulfill them. Keep my heart soft, surrendered, and shaped by Your Spirit. Strengthen my faith, deepen my joy, and help me walk in the freedom Jesus paid for with His blood.
Make my life bring glory to Your name.
Amen.
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Journaling Reminder
Sit quietly with Jesus.
Ask Him: “What are You saying to me through Romans 1–4?”
Write down anything He shows you—where He wants to strengthen your faith, what He wants to change in your heart, or what promise He wants you to hold onto today.